My dog sits on command and responds instantly to “No!” but the only way to cease my pooch from barking his furry head off at people walking past our yard is with all-powerful treats. The shake of a jar filled with puppy crack brings Gomez running into the house, falling over himself to sit and stay for a snack. Instead of offering him the equivalent of doggie junk food a few times a day, I fill the Pavlovian cookie jar with these treats that boost his health with all-natural, functional ingredients:
Zuke’s SuperFood Organic Dog Biscuits. These bite-sized treats (low cal for plump pups) are the first superfood-filled dog treats I’ve ever seen. Gomez gobbles up the Mean Greenz and gets his antioxidants from spinach, broccoli, green beans, and peas. There’s also free radical–fighting Very Berryz and protein-packed Health Nutz with yummy peanut and almond butters.
Nordic Naturals Omega-3 Pet. These chewable capsules of oil from wild anchovies and sardines keep my dog’s coat, joints, eyes, heart, and brain healthy without giving him bad fish breath. Not sure if Gomez’s brain is benefiting from the fish oil because he’s still not so smart.
Dogswell Breathies Minis. I can’t blame the fish oil for Gomez’s occasional bout of bad breath but I can make him more socially acceptable with these cage-free chicken jerky treats sprinkled with freshening mint and parsley.
What’s your hound’s favorite healthy snack? Do you have any dog treat tricks to share?
Tell you what, one of my neighbors who takes her dog to the same (secret) location for dog romping as I do once had some homemade dog treats. She shared the recipe for “bacon bites” with me, and I can tell you my dog — and every other dog in the neighborhood — loves them! Here’s the website:
http://www.thepoop.com/pooppantry/bacon.asp
I haven’t tried any of the other recipes on there — why mess with success — but there are plenty to choose from, including vegetarian ones.